VIDEO and PICTURES: Johnny gives it some Welly at Stillia gig

ONE of St Helens’ brightest young bands rocked the town centre as part of a free concert to promote this Sunday’s Westfield Street Music Festival.

But they were nearly overshadowed as the star turn after local character ‘Johnny Welly' turned up in Church Square and began dancing along to the music.

His impromptu performance delighted onlookers as he jigged away and played along to the cameras by dancing to the band's cover of the Chuck Berry classic Johnny B. Goode.

One observer said: “He certainly seemed to be enjoying it and he put a smile on everyone’s face.”

Stillia belted out a selection of their own tracks and cover versions in front of a healthy crowd on Saturday afternoon.

They will be among more than 20 acts playing in venues through Westfield Street from noon to 6pm on Sunday for the street’s inaugural festival.

Spectators told the Star afterwards that Stillia were fabulous and that Johnny’s dancing “made the day”.

Stillia’s Jack Bennett, 18, frontman of the band that signed with a London record label earlier this year, said: “It was a great reception from the St Helens public – the home crowd always gets behind us – and the sun was shining.

COUNTDOWN: Stillia belt out the hits in Church Square

“We're excited about Sunday and hopefully this sets the scene. Paul Griffiths, of the Zoo Bar, has put a lot of effort into organising this and it promises to be brilliant for the live music scene in St Helens.

“We'll be playing Bar 44 and will be supported by to two other up and coming local bands. But there are lots of acts playing throughout the day along the street, which will make it really exciting.”

ROCK 'N' ROLL: The crowds enjoyed the promotional concert ahead of the Westfield Street Music Festival

Stillia – made up of Bennett, his younger brother Matty on the drums, lead guitarist Connor Moran and bassist Dave Sarbutts are seeking to broaden their reach beyond St Helens.

Jack added: “We are a band with big ambitions - the aim one day is to perform a concert at a venue such as the Liverpool Echo Arena.

“But it is all about putting the hard work in.

“My younger brother finishes school in the near future so that will open more possibilities for us for touring and recording.”

JOHNNY BE GOOD: dancing along to Stillia's cover of the Chuck Berry classic Johnny B. Goode

FRONTMAN: Jack Bennett

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​FEEL THE NOISE: Stillia will be among more than 20 acts performing at the Westfield Street Music Festival